Archive for December, 2017

A little snow couldn't keep agents and friends away from Southampton Social Club to celebrate a tremendous year for Town & Country Real Estate.

"Once again our annual holiday party was a smashing success!," says Judi Desiderio, Town & Country Real Estate CEO. "Ian, Chris, and the staff at the Southampton Social Club did an outstanding job as always. So great to see our staff and associates genuinely exchange fond regards and warm congratulations to all honorees. Congratulations!"

A year ago, a hole was burned through the heart of Main Street in Sag Harbor – literally! The iconic Sag Harbor Theater in the center of its village was destroyed in an early morning fire on December 16, 2016.

Thanks to the combined efforts of local residents and famous friends, $8 Million was raised by the non-profit called Sag Harbor Partnership to purchase the property with the intent to resurrect the structure in its art-deco design and re-install the familiar neon sign (ironically, which would never be approved today). The Empire State Economic Development Grants pledged the final $1.4 Million needed to close title. Our local piano man, Billy Joel, donated $500,000 from the very onset and will have naming rights to the popcorn stand!

Director Martin Scorsese and Oscar winning actress Julie Andrews both sit on the advisory board. Some other famous neighbors like the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick and Leonardo DiCaprio have pledged their support.

But…the fundraising is not over!

Another $5 to $6 Million is needed to build a new state-of-the art theater. Maybe seller Gerald Mallow will pledge back $1 of the $8 Million he is receiving on the sale? Richard Gere and several others who grace our main street with well-known presence hopefully will step up.

A grand heart-felt "Thank You!" to April Gornik, VP, for spearheading this undertaking and to all those who have donated so generously!

Reality television star, noted author, and business mogul Bethenny Frankel has gone beyond being one of “The Real Housewives of New York City” and jumped full steam into the world of luxury real estate. With a new show “Keeping It Real Estate” co-starring fellow Bravolebrity Fredrik Eklund about to premier she’s laying down more roots in the Hamptons with the purchase of a 4,239 sq.ft. estate in Bridgehampton. Frankel purchased her first Hamptons home in 2013, also in Bridgehampton.

Frankel closed on the 7-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom Hamptons spread listed exclusively with Kathleen Conway of Town & Country Real Estate in October. According to Conway, “Bethenny was fabulous to work with and saw the property as a great investment.”

Originally listed for $2,950,000 and built in 1910, the former bed and breakfast, known as the Morning Glory House, is situated on 0.60 well-manicured acres South of the Highway in the village near shopping, dining, and more. The home underwent a major renovation under the guidance of architect Brian O'Keefe of BOKA where he set out to update all elements of the home and seamlessly merge the old and the new.

Local builder Dennis Boyle made those plans materialize and the elegant finishings complete the look. The gracious formal entry hall sets the tone with dark, hardwood floors illuminated by a skylight, a hand-carved staircase, and board and batten details. An exercise room is perfect for early morning workouts while a large gunite swimming pool with sprawling bluestone patios are ideal for an afternoon swim.

On Thursday, November 30, 2017, we closed title on the Ammon Estate on Middle Lane in East Hampton Village.

The 59 Middle Lane East Hampton home, owned by siblings Greg and Alexa Ammon, listed exclusively with Judi Desiderio of Town & Country Real Estate in June 2017 who remarked on the sale,“I proudly represented the estate for over a dozen years of leasing and recently they decided the time was right to sell. I’m so pleased for Alexa & Greg Ammon. I’m sure it is bittersweet but when one door closes another one opens.”